Kigali, 22 October 2018 Major General Albert Murasira, the newly appointed Defence Minister was today handed the reins of the Defence Ministry. General James Kabarebe handed over the office to him, and promised to support him at any moment that he needs help.  The ceremony, which took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Kimihurura, was witnessed by MoD and RDF top leadership including Gen Fred Ibingira, the Reserve Force Chief of Staff and Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli, the RDF Army Chief of Staff. Shortly after the handover and takeover ceremony, Maj Gen Murasira stressed his commitment to follow his predecessors’ footsteps.  “We enjoy security because there has been partnership between the military and other security organs, but most especially with Rwandans. We also work with others that include foreigners in different peacekeeping missions in the region, on the African continent or elsewhere around the World,” said Maj Gen Murasira. The new Defence Minister also pointed out that Rwanda alone cannot enjoy security whereas its neighboring countries face insecurity, adding that in his tenure he will ensure the sustainability of what have been achieved. Maj Gen Albert Murasira is the tenth Minister for Defence since Rwanda became independent in 1962. The Minister for Defence is responsible to the Government for all matters concerning the Defence policy, the conduct of Defence and implementation of Defence programmes. Major General Albert Murasira holds a Master’s of Science in project management with merit from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (2016). He also attended the former National University of Rwanda from 1983 to 1988 where he received a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics (1986) and Licence in Mathematics (1988).